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Dog Friendly Beach Chalet, Gwithian Towans, Cornwall

Driftwood Beach Chalet

By the beach at Gwithian Towans, St Ives Bay

Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms (+ cot) Friday arrival Up to two small well behaved dogs welcome
The Retreat

Set in a small group of individual, privately owned holiday homes, this pretty chalet-style, dog friendly beach house sleeps six. Appointed for a carefree seaside lifestyle, Driftwood has good sea views from private west-facing decking and is a very short stroll from Gwithian’s stunning beach, wild sand dunes and the Cornish coast path.

Imagine the perfect traditional wooden beach chalet in Cornwall with all the comfort and equipment you would possibly need for a self-catering holiday. That’s Driftwood Beach Chalet. Set amidst miles of unspoilt sand dunes, minutes from the magical beach of Gwithian, with sweeping views across the bay to St Ives and Godrevy lighthouse, Driftwood will transport you to a simpler time and place, but with all the comforts and little necessities you need on holiday.

 

Driftwood Beach Chalet is a small beach chalet, right on the coast at beautiful Gwithian Towans in St Ives bay, overlooking the beach on the dramatic north coast of Cornwall. Originally built in the 1930s, Driftwood has been carefully restored and extended to retain all of its original painted wooden charm, but with the furnishings and facilities that discerning guests expect. The chalet can sleep up to six in two double rooms and a bunk bedroom. We have tried to ensure that Driftwood Beach Chalet is self catering accommodation in Cornwall at its very best.

When you arrive you will find parking for two cars behind the chalet. You will enter into a light and comfortable open-plan living space, which opens via large floor-to-ceiling patio doors onto a decked area with sun chairs and views of Godrevy lighthouse and St Ives. In the lounge area you will find a large sofa for chilling out, original artworks by local artists decorating the walls.

Throughout the chalet you will find the floors are either stripped or painted pine, with casual rugs for extra comfort giving Driftwood an easygoing and relaxed feel. You’ll find some unexpected things like two full size surfboards for you to use tucked above the open rafters, lots of beach and board games, a guitar, and drawing materials so you will never be short of things to do, whatever the weather.

The dining area can accommodate at least six in comfort around a pine table. You will even have under-seat heating in case the nights are chilly. The kitchen, whilst small, is generously equipped, as many of our guests are enthusiastic cooks. There is a large fridge and freezer, microwave, gas hob and electric oven, blender, toaster, espresso pot and all the utensils you can imagine. A ceramic sink is positioned with a view to St Ives so that even washing up by hand can be a pleasure!

Forever Cornwall Driftwood Beach Chalet Gwithian St Ives Bay2

The main double bedroom has plenty of space, has a king-size bed and can accommodate a travel cot (which we can supply on request), the second double room is small but charming and cosy with a comfy full-sized double bed and fitted wardrobe. Children or younger adults love our bunk room which has a sturdy safety rail on the top bunk. All of the bedrooms are furnished with comfortable duvets, plenty of pillows, organic cotton bed linen, and beautiful quilts, throws or blankets. And you will find nice touches like shelves of books, reading lights and blackout blinds to make sure you get a good sleep even when the holiday sun comes up unreasonably early!

Driftwood has a wooden and tiled wetroom-style shower indoors, as well as a hot and cold outdoor shower for getting out of wetsuits in comfort.

Outside the chalet

Stepping out through the sun-doors you will find yourself on a decked area looking over an open grassy area towards St Ives Bay. To the side of Driftwood is a small but private garden complete with barbecue and an outdoor dining area, which catches the sun late into the afternoons and early evening as it sets across the bay and disappears behind the horizon off St Ives.

You’ll also find a hot and cold outdoor shower, a clothes drier and a storage shed, plus recycling and composting facilities, to help make your stay as eco-friendly as possible.

Things we love…

People fall in love with Driftwood. Not because it’s big or posh, but because it’s intimate, authentic and well thought out. It’s a little bit of classic Cornish seaside atmosphere, lovingly restored and modernised. But of course it’s the location that makes it extra special.

Many of our guests have returned to Gwithian again and again, bringing children, then bringing grand-children. The beach is just breath-taking – whether at low tide in summer with its vast expanse of sand and scores of rock-pools, in the autumn when the new swell rolls in from the Atlantic attracting surfers, paddle-boarders, and kite-surfers alike, or in the depths of winter when high tide crashes against the cliff faces and salty spray reaches as far as the chalet windows (thank goodness for double glazing).

Just perfect
Our fifth time in perfect Driftwood. We've had a lovely, relaxing week in Gwithian Towans watching the waves and the seals. Driftwood is just perfect for an amazing holiday - comfy beds and sofa and everything you need (home from home)! Also, lovely views of St Ives and Godrevy - fantastic sunset on our last night, the perfect way to end our stay. We will be back.
Paul, Sharon & Evie — March 2022
Features

Retreat Features

  • Just a 5 minute walk from the golden sand of Gwithian
  • Decking with sea views
  • Private parking
  • Surfboards to borrow FOC
  • Barbecue and private outdoor dining area
  • Free WiFi
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: king bed
Bedroom two: double bed
Bedroom three: bunk beds
All bed linen and bath towels provided
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Gas hob, electric oven
Microwave, blender, toaster
Fridge-freezer
Washing machine
Dining area seating for six+
Dishwasher
Tea towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Large L-shaped sofa
32″ SMART TV with Netflix (account not assigned, feel free to use your personal account) DVD & Blu-ray
Hi-fi with iPod plug-in
Library of books (all tastes & ages)
Toys and rainy-day games
Free wireless broadband
BATHROOM
Wetroom style bathroom
Large walk-in shower, basin, WC
Bathroom towels provided
OUTDOORS
Decked area with sea views
Small private garden
Al fresco dining area and BBQ
Warm outdoor shower
Composting
6′ 8″ durable NSP surfboard
7′ 10″ durable NSP surfboard
HEATING & POWER
Gas fired central heating
Green tariff electricity
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot (no linen) and high chair on request
PETS
Up to two small well behaved dogs welcome
PARKING
Parking for two cars
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday standard changeover
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
Location

Gwithian

The beaches of Godrevy and Gwithian Towans are tucked away treasures on the North coast of Cornwall, backed by picturesque sand dunes that run alongside them. These unspoilt, golden beaches stretch along the easterly side of St Ives Bay, and as west facing beaches they bask in the summer sun all day long. With several surf schools lining the beach, Gwithian is a surfing mecca and is an area perfect for those wanting to try surfing for the first time or polish up their skill!

Travel times

  • Driftwood is about 12 miles from the nearest mainline station at Camborne. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • Driftwood Beach Chalet is situated in Gwithian Towans, on Cornwall’s North Coast coast adjacent to the delightful village of Gwithian, just five minutes north east of Hayle on the B3301. Driving time from London is around five hours in normal traffic, while Exeter is around two hours away. We’ll send you detailed route information before your departure.

Things we love

  • A classic beach chalet - moments from the surf
  • In a quiet location but with supermarkets and other amenities just a short drive away
  • A stroll to the cafés, restaurants and pubs nearby
  • Views inside and outside of the St. Ives Bay
Guests Say
  • So good!

    This year has been so good! We worked out that our first visit to Driftwood was in 2010 and we've come every year bar two since then. This year surfing and rock pools have been the highlight, the weather has been so mild, as a result I finally stood up on my surfboard - it's only taken about 20 years. The windsurfing has also been great, we all got out sailing at Gwithian for the first time. Thank you for a comfortable and fun time.

    Jo, Nigel, Isla & Harry — October 2022
  • Our 9th (!) stay

    Our 9th (!) stay in Driftwood - another wonderful relaxing fortnight. We were very lucky with both weather and surf, so spent a lot of time on the beach or in the sea. We still found time for a trip to the Eden Project, St Ives and a couple of Sunset Surf breakfasts.

    Juliet & Family — September 2022
  • Perfect

    Driftwood...perfect. A fabulous two weeks and on the waiting list for booking next year, fingers crossed. Thank you.

    Ali, Elaine & the dogs Oki & Dixie — September 2022
  • Home away from home!

    Our second time staying at Driftwood and our experience was just as brilliant as the first time, if not better, as it now feels like a home away from home! Days on the beach on our doorstep, the seals at Godrevy, days trips to Land's End, St Michael's Mount, Kynance Cove and Portreath - and to have so many beautiful places within such easy reach. Then relaxing on the decking at the end of the day and watching the sunset with a cold drink - just perfect!

    The Spiler Family — August 2022
  • Catered for all of us

    We had a fantastic week on the beach playing and surfing. Driftwood is beautiful and catered for all of us aged from 1.5 - 55 years!

    Julie & Family — August 2022
  • The perfect place

    This was our first stay at Driftwood and we loved it. The beds were very comfortable and fresh, we slept very well. We found the surfboards were handy. The views were gorgeous and the house is in the perfect place to watch the sunset over the beach. The outdoor shower was perfect after coming back from the beach. We are already thinking about coming back soon we loved it so much.

    The Price Family — July 2022
  • Amazing week

    Our third stay at Driftwood - we've had an amazing time, in the water and out. The coast path towards Godrevy lighthouse is beautiful and it's nice to see all the seals on their beach. We spent lots of time bodyboarding and surfing on the beaches only a short walk away. There was plenty of wind for kitesurfing to add to the amazing week. We're sure to come back again sometime.

    The Noble Family — July 2022
  • No doubt will be back again

    Been to Gwithian Towans over many years. Second time at Driftwood, first being in late 2019. Relaxed a lot on the decking watching the world go by. Got in the water several times. Had several walks around the area but didn't drive very far this year. Well equipped chalet so no doubt will be back again.

    Mike & June — May 2022
  • Wonderful

    Our second visit to Gwithian and first to Driftwood, celebrating Ryan's 36th birthday. A wonderful weekend. We will be back in the summer.

    The Domanskas — March 2022
  • Just perfect

    Our fifth time in perfect Driftwood. We've had a lovely, relaxing week in Gwithian Towans watching the waves and the seals. St Ives Bay is our favourite place in Cornwall, especially Gwithian and Godrevy. It's our happy place that has many fond memories from our previous weeks here. Driftwood is just perfect for an amazing holiday - comfy beds and sofa and everything you need (home from home)! Also, lovely views of St Ives and Godrevy - fantastic sunset on our last night, the perfect way to end our stay. We will be back.

    Paul, Sharon & Evie — March 2022
  • Another lovely stay

    Another lovely stay in Driftwood, despite Storm Barra and 60mph winds! Surfing, cream teas and fish and chips...a classic Cornish holiday! Thanks.

    Richard — December 2021
  • 10/10

    Our stay in Driftwood has been amazing for the fifth time. Everything about it is great and cosy. Also, the view is absolutely amazing. Thank you for another brilliant year in Driftwood. 10/10.

    The Heaths — October 2021
  • Perfect holiday

    Our first visit to Gwithian, and to Driftwood, and it really has been our perfect holiday! Our chalet is fantastic - amazing location and many evenings spent watching the sunset. Such a peaceful, relaxing place with everything you need on your doorstep. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay - we have fallen in love with Gwithian and will definitely be back!

    The Spilers — August 2021
  • A charming chalet

    A fantastic place to relax and unwind after such a horrible year! Back at Driftwood for our third time - a charming chalet which reminds me of the lovely places I stayed in here as a child years ago! We will be back.

    The Ollerenshaws — August 2021
  • Excellent place

    Our third visit to Driftwood, and it hasn't disappointed! Lots of lovely time on the beach and for the first time we ALL did bodyboarding, not just the kids - so useful to have some here to use! We've loved it so much we have already booked to return at Easter and we cannot wait! Thanks again to the whole team at Forever Cornwall for making this such an excellent place to come.

    The Morgan Family — August 2021
  • Fantastic family break

    Fantastic family break spending time together in such a beautiful location! First visit to Cornwall and can't wait to return. The beach is amazing and we now have three budding surfers!

    The Mullins Family — July 2021
  • We love coming on holiday here!

    This is our second time staying in Driftwood. We love coming on holiday here! This was the best place to be during the heatwave, we went to the beach everyday.

    Isla, Clare, Bryn & Ags — July 2021
  • Superb location
    The Wisbeys — August 2020
  • Brilliant week here!
    The Morgan Family — August 2020
  • Wonderful week at Driftwood!

    We have had a wonderful week at Driftwood! After four months of not leaving our neighbourhood this was just the tonic we needed. Driftwood is perfect — everything we could possibly need plus a beautiful view. We haven't ventured far, as we have really enjoyed a slow, quiet week just going to the beach and back. We haven't felt the need to go any further! We had delicious fish and chips from Sanders in Hayle and a fantastic birthday breakfast at Trevaskis Farm Shop. We have loved it here and will definitely be back!

    Clare, Bryn, Agatha & Isla — July 2020
  • An amazing holiday

    We had an amazing holiday, the view was amazing. Our favourite bit was walking up to see the seals and playing in the sea.

    Ella, Dom, Phoebe, Vicci & Rich — November 2019
  • Amazing views

    My favourite part of this trip was the amazing views from the house and also coming in from the cold sea and having the hot shower outside. It has been an incredible week and we are sad to be leaving! Driftwood has made this holiday for us, especially with the board games (especially monopoly) and thousands of interesting books! Thank you again for making our holiday the best it can be!

    The Heath Family — October 2019
  • We never want to leave

    Once again we find ourselves back in Gwithian, which I love! Driftwood is the third we have rented through Forever Cornwall on this site, and every single one has provided a lovely cosy home away from home with easy access to the brilliant beach for space, fresh air and recharging your batteries. We never want to leave, I am already thinking about next year. Many thanks for providing us with such a comfortable base with amazing views.

    The Simkins Family — October 2019
  • Wonderful

    Wonderful stay at Driftwood - Gwithian is our favourite place and the walk is lovely along the beach by Godrevy lighthouse. We hardly used the car as we just wanted to enjoy the walks and bodyboard and eat at the little cafes. What more could you want? We hope to be back.

    The Mason Family — August 2019
  • The most wonderful stay!

    We had the most wonderful stay at Driftwood! We have loved every moment! Gwithian is a great beach for kids and adults alike. Thank you for everything, we hope to come back to make more special memories.

    The Morgan Family — June 2019
  • Cosy, comfortable and in a great location!

    We had a fab week! Shorts and sun cream at the beginning and waterproofs at the end, all part of the fun of Cornwall. Walked dogs and surfed every day, perfect! Love Driftwood, it is comfortable, cosy and in a great location! We love the outside shower - fab after surfing. Thank you for the welcome goodies; they got our holiday off to a great start. We will be back, thank you.

    The Nichols Family — April 2018
  • Our favourite place in the world!

    What can we say? Our third time at Driftwood and we've lost count of our wonderful stays on the Towans (mostly through Forever Cornwall). This little place is our favourite place in the world! What sets Driftwood apart from a lot of other places in Gwithian are the little touches such as great sharp knives, atmospheric lighting. We love the big grey lamp over the dining table for example; it makes a lovely golden pool of light over a cosy meal. Phil and Maria you are the Towans experts and we salute you!

    The Taylors — April 2018
  • This is our third stay and certainly not our last!

    Steve, Jazzie and I have had a lovely week. We have 'experienced' snow, rain and sun here during our stay, ending on a beautiful sunny day in St Ives - so picturesque. This is our third stay with Forever Cornwall, and certainly not our last! Maria, Phil and all the team should be very proud of running such a wonderful holiday rental business. Already on your website looking at the next cottage/chalet/apartment to holiday at a future date! Thank you to all the team once again!

    The Fowlers — March 2018
  • A very enjoyable and restful week

    The Green Family have had a great stay! Our second visit to Driftwood and familiarity was a good thing. A very wild and blustery week with storms 'Dillon' and 'Eleanor.' A dip in the sea on New Year's Day with body boards - we were the only ones in the water - this was our only venture into the sea (unlike prior visits) but it was worth it! Now heading home after a very enjoyable and restful week. Thanks for a good time.

    The Green Family — December 2017
  • Super comfy and well equipped

    Back at Driftwood for our fourth year and it's still lovely! Slightly stormy weather this year but we managed to get in a bit of surfing and lots of running around on the beach. Driftwood is super comfy and well equipped, and thank you for the arrival gift!

    The Kemps — September 2017
  • Amazing two weeks

    Been to Gwithian many times but this was my first stay at Driftwood. I had an amazing two weeks - it's a lovely, comfy place in a great location. Had some great surf and very lucky with the weather. Will dearly miss having a beer in the armchairs watching the sun go down. It was a struggle to leave for me, and the dog had the time of his life; one very happy hound!

    Andrew & Sennen the dog — September 2017
  • Yet another lovely stay!

    Yet another lovely stay! Lots of lovely walks and good food. Trevaskis Farm Shop great for local produce and freshly caught fish, Victoria Inn at Perranuthnoe was nice for posh food in a pub atmosphere, and Godrevy Beach Cafe is highly recommended. Already planning our next visit!

    Nigel, Tracy & Chester — June 2017
  • Fab walks and views

    Lovely holiday. Lovely place. Fab walks and views, perfect for relaxing. Loved the book choices too.

    The Rimmer Family — September 2016
  • Beautiful chalet

    We had a fantastic week staying in this beautiful chalet. Lots of sun, sea and surfing. Lovely visit to the Minack and a boat trip from St Ives for seal spotting.

    The Pickard Family — September 2016
  • A wonderfully relaxing time

    Our third holiday in Driftwood and once again we have had a lovely time! Got lots of surfing in. The view is fabulous as ever and we had a wonderfully relaxing time.

    Juliet, Jonathan & Leon — September 2016
  • Loved the location

    So glad we booked this lovely place. Really loved the location and the facilities of the chalet.

    The Hitchin Family — September 2016
  • It's small but perfectly formed!

    We have had a fantastic holiday. For a family of six plus a big dog Driftwood worked perfectly. It's small but perfectly formed! We were very pleased to find the business card for Duchy Dog Care. The lovely Marina took excellent care of our bonkers dog for two days, which meant we were able to go to Godrevy beach without worrying about him. We highly recommend her.

    The Boncy Family — August 2016
  • Driftwood is the perfect beach house

    Driftwood is the perfect beach house. So reminded me of childhood summers spent on the beach in California, BUT Gwithian beach is much better!! Thank you for sharing your lovely family beach house with our family. We are sad to leave but look forward to our return. Perfect waves, peace, love and happiness.

    Guy, Laura, Max & Alama — July 2016
  • Yet another great stay

    Thank you for yet another great stay, our third and definitely not our last! Driftwood really does feel like home. Very relaxing stay and was fortunate enough to have lovely weather. Saw seals and a couple of adders on our daily walks. Can't wait to come back again.

    Nigel, Tracy & Chester — June 2016
  • So many wonderful things

    So many wonderful things to say about our holiday, I need to list! Gorgeous hot outdoor shower. Lovely cotton bedding and cosy throws. Sunbathing on the sofa with the doors wide open enjoying the sound of the waves. The sunsets - we got some fantastic silhouette photos on the cliff tops, definitely one for the memory bank. Fantastic hours spent boogie boarding/surfing/paddle boarding. Relaxing early morning dog walks - very happy doggies (slept most of the week!). The Jam Pot - cream teas with a view. Lazy evening BBQ's, guitaring and a glass of wine or two. Thank you for a perfect week.

    Clive, Kay, Eve & Iola — August 2015
  • Hope to come back again and again

    Beautiful hut, can we buy it please! Says everything really, but hope to come back again and again.

    Janie, Chris, Coran & Jack — August 2015
  • What a wonderful beach experience!

    What a wonderful beach experience! Love the decor - spot on! Perfect for long walks and sunsets. The glow worms were awesome. Lovely touch to arrive after a long drive to the selection of goodies - the wine went down especially well!

    Emma, Rob, Ollie & Marcus — August 2015
  • A lovely relaxing sun-filled week

    Driftwood comfortably accommodates six adults. Breakfasted at the Surf Cafe and the Rooster (in Hayle), had afternoon tea at the Jam Pot, enjoyed walks to Fisherman's Cove and around Godrevy Point. All in all, a lovely relaxing sun-filled week.

    Margot, Mark, Oliver, Henrietta, Isobel & Jonna — July 2015
  • Driftwood is perfect in every way

    As a child in the 70's, my family used to visit Gwithian year after year, staying on the Towans. As an adult I have brought my family here since the 90's, but this is the first time we have stayed in a chalet here. Boy, have they changed since the 70's (no indoor loos or showers then!). Driftwood is perfect in every way and we are hoping to return soon. We've had great fun - body boarding, surfing, paddle boarding, playing board games and watching the incredible sunsets.

    The Otterenshaw's — July 2015
  • Brilliant

    We had a fantastic week - beautiful weather, great beach and easy access to St Ives, Falmouth and Penzance. The chalet was brilliant and had everything we needed.

    Emeilia, Zuzana, Charles, Sefinka & Angus — June 2015
  • Driftwood is still as beautiful as ever

    A truly fabulous week, so lucky with the weather and Driftwood is still as beautiful as ever.

    Nige, Jo, Isla & Harry — May 2015
  • Fantastic

    We've had another fantastic week in this wonderful place. The boys enjoy being by the sea so much and don't want to leave! Lots of fun in the surf. We will be back...

    Jane, Ade, Harry & George — May 2015
  • A wonderful stay

    Thank you so much for a wonderful stay. All the little touches - tea, wine, milk, paper - made such a difference.

    The Turners – February 2013
  • Very special stay

    Happy New Year and what a wonderful place to spend it. Dolphins and seals galore added to a very special stay.

    Mandie & Jezzie – January 2013
  • Perfect in every way

    We could not have chosen a better place than Driftwood for our summer break; it was just perfect in every way.

    Tracey & Jamie – September 2011
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